Nurses Understanding of Diabetes Mellitus in a New Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is gradually becoming a public health threat globally. The role of education in its care has been established, however, consensus has not been reached on the level of understanding of critical stakeholders involved in the care. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the level of understanding of nurses in diabetes mellitus in a new teaching hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that was carried out at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. A total of 103 nurses were recruited for the study. Results: The nurses were aged 25-70years with the mean age of 38.5years, and a standard deviation of 9.6. Majority of the participants were females 76(73.8%), while the males were 27(26.2%). On the level of understanding of nurses in diabetes mellitus, about a third 40(38.8%) knew the fasting plasma glucose cut off for the diagnosis of diabetes. Majority of the nurses 101(98.1%) indicated that diabetes is secondary to insulin deficiency. Majority of the nurses 94(91.3%) identified diabetes as a chronic disease. Almost all the nurses 100(97.1%) indicated that polyuria is a clinical feature of diabetes, Polydipsia was identified as a clinical features of diabetes by 77(74.8%) of the participants. More than half 58(56.3%) of the participants identified polyphagia as a clinical feature of diabetes. About a third 36(35.0%) admitted that recurrent infection is a clinical feature of diabetes. Majority of the participants 93(90.3%) identified hypoglycaemia as a diabetic emergency. About two-third 61(59.2%) admitted that diabetic keto-acidosis is a diabetic emergency, Hyperglycaemia was identifies as a diabetic emergency by the majority 84(81.6%) of the participants, Only 13(12.6%) indicated that hyperosmolar non ketotic state is a diabetic emergency. only 14(13.6%) of the participants identified lactic acidosis as a diabetic emergency. Majority of nurse admitted that diabetes mellitus affect the kidneys 77(74.8%), eyes 83(80.6%) and the nerves 62(60.2%) .Conclusion: This study has shown that the overall understanding of nurses on diabetes mellitus is above average and therefore adequate. Nurses in our environment can be assigned specific role in diabetic education. In areas where gap in knowledge was observed, regular training is advocated.